Column topper

ABSTRACT

The “Column Topper” technical disclosures are that it is an exterior weather tight cover for column capitals and the fact that it is made out of a durable, flexible, rubber product it will withstand stress of a bearing load and the elements of the weather and animals.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is not related to any other application filed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a cover that protects a capital that is attached to a column. The protection applies to/from nesting animals and weather conditions. It was discovered due to the fact that the most capitals and columns are hollow by design and constantly damaged or nuisanced by the above.

The unique but simple design of the “Column Topper” makes it easy to apply and install with minimal or no cutting at all.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The Column Topper is a cover or cap that installs on top of a decorative capital, located and fixed to a column. The column is usually a fiberglass or wood component, having the purpose of supporting or holding up a porch or pergola beam, resting on top of the capital and column.

The Column Topper enhances the appearance of the capital application by supplying an additional detailed overhang edge or reveal. More importantly, the Column Topper acts as a weather guard and animal shield, protecting the hollow capital from rain, snow and ice and nesting animals, such as squirrels and birds.

The Column Topper is composed (manufactured, made) of molded natural rubber combined with Titanium Oxide and required accelerators for the vulcanization process. Future processing could lead to other materials being used in the manufacturing process which would not alter the design, shape, or appearance of the product.

One of the important aspects of the Column Topper is that it is flexible and will not crack or shatter under a heavy load, stress, or changing weather conditions (freeze). The Column Topper is also easy to cut and shape with a carpenter's knife, which makes it easy to install on a capital to shape around a beam or for new construction applied to the capital before the beam is lowered on the capital and column.

The Column Topper can be made to any custom size or shape. Typically, it is square in shape with the most popular sizes ranging from 8-16 inches. The typical capital is normally square which is why this application and the attached drawings illustrate a square Column Topper.

The Column Topper is manufactured and marketed as white in color and is paintable to fit the customer's taste and needs. It would normally be painted the same color as the capital it is covering.

The overall thickness of the material used to produce the Column Topper is ⅛^(th) of an inch. Its appearance is that of a square cover, fitting on top of a capital, with a ¼ of an inch overhang on the 4 sides of the capital's edge. This ¼″ edge provides a tight fit and the decorative reveal, noted above in [0005] on the 4 sides of the capital. On the underside of the Column Topper are 2 raised letter Ws, which is the company monogram for W&W Enterprise LLC, the operating company with the responsibility of producing and marketing the product.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS SUBMITTED WITH APPLICATION

FIG. 1 shows the individual (1) Invention (Column Topper) indicating the size varies to fit capital and shape. Also, a column is illustrated to show where the Column Topper is applied. This view is from the topside of the product.

FIG. 2 shows the individual (1) Invention (Column Topper) indicating shape, thickness, and lip overhang. This view is a section cut thru of the product.

FIG. 3 shows the individual (1) Invention (Column Topper) indicating the shape and thickness and a “W”, which indicates our company initial for W&W Enterprise. This view is from the bottom side of the product.

FIG. 4 shows the individual (1) Invention (Column Topper) indicating the shape and thickness and dimension of overhang. This is an isometric view of the product. 

1. I claim that the “Column Topper” as described in Paragraphs [0004 to 10] is the invention defining the scope of the protection of the patent applied for. 